Micro Scale Lego Building

Huge Lego models of tens or hundreds of thousands of pieces are undoubtedly impressive – even if only out of recognition of the technical challenges in building at such a large scale.

Just as challenging, perhaps is building at the other end of the spectrum in what Lego fans call “micro scale.” The aim of micro scale building is to achieve a high level of detail with just a handful of pieces. The best builders are able to create a sense of weight and proportion in their models that create the illusion of something much larger.

Architectural micro scale builder Arthur Gugick has created some amazing, and amazingly small, models of famous world landmarks including the U.S. Capitol Building and Lincoln Memorial.

Arthur Gugick's Lincoln Memorial - Approximately 2 inches tall

Arthur Gugick's U.S. Capitol - Approximately 4 inches tall

Micro builders do not confine themselves only to recreations, of course. The castle-builder DARKspawn has created this Micro Flying Citadel:

DARKspawn's Micro Flying Citadel

Star Wars and spaceships, constant favorites among builders, are particular favorites among the micro crowd. Here’s one of my favorites – a miniature Death Star about 2 inches in diameter, built by Chris Deck

Mini Death Star by Chris Deck

This micro AT-AT walker is only about 1.5 inches tall! Built by Louis K.

Micro AT-AT Walker by Louis K.

Another attraction to micro scale building is its accessibility. No huge investment in bricks is required, just a good imagination and a few small pieces. And while a 12-foot high Lego robot will draw plenty of oohs and ahhs as it sits in a cordoned-off corner, it’s perhaps even more satisfying to hand someone a 1-inch high robot (like my little microbot, above) they can admire and zip around the tabletop.